Histotechnician

Description:

Who We Are

MidLantic Urology was founded on the desire to advance urology health care for our patients. Our merger of the top urology groups in Philadelphia not only gives us the most recognizable and skilled urologists but also empowers us with the resources to continue to innovate with the most advanced treatments backed by clinical research.

Our approach comes directly from the private practice model. We believe in highly personalized and compassionate care. Our specialists are by our patient's side throughout their entire care journey. With 47 state-of-the art locations located throughout the region, we strive to provide the most convenient access to all our patients.

The MidLantic Urology team thrives on pushing the envelope of what's possible in urological medicine. Our advancement of urology health through clinical research makes us a stronger practice. We're passionate about raising the bar for urological care in service of our patients. And we're just getting started.

Histotechnician

Primary Role Summary: Oversees the histology section which includes: Maintaining Quality control and assurance program, Reviews and updates policies according to CAP checklist, CAP surveys, validations, training and competency of peers within department. Tissue processing, embedding, and prepares microscopic slides from tissue sections, performs immunohistochemical and special stains.

Secondary Role Summary: Grossing of urinary tract specimens and or other lesions outlined in procedure manual. Assists with other laboratory tasks in all other departments as needed this includes cytology/FISH and clinical where cross-trained

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Histology Department Tasks:

Operate and maintain tissue processor, Embed tissue specimens, clean and trim blocks, Label microscope slide, Preform microtomy and mount tissue sections on slides, Perform routine H&E stains as well as IHC and special stain procedures, coverslip and layout slides for pathologist.
Prepares slides of specimens to enhance visibility under microscope. Examines slides under microscope to ensure tissue preparation meets laboratory requirements. Studies slides under microscope to detect deviations from expected results and reports abnormalities for further study. Responsible for control slides.
Prepares sections of human tissue for examination. Programs and operates computerized laboratory equipment to fix, dehydrate, and infiltrate with wax, embedding, and microtomy of paraffin tissue to be preserved for study by Pathologist.
Appropriately stains slides and maintains quality assurance checks at all levels.
Prepares client requests for slide send outs and path reports.
Prepares pathologist request for special studies outside of routine stain panels.
Responsible for daily and routine tasks associated with grossing, tissue processing, embedding, cutting, and staining. Maintains accurate specimen identification and takes appropriate steps to prevent any cross-contamination.
Sets up grossing station for Videotaping, matches specimen ID against all parts, opens one container at a time, and documents clear and concise descriptions of size, # of pieces, color of tissue submitted. Identifies complex specimens needing pathologist review. Keeps area clean and disinfects, maintains cassettes for tissue processing.
Responsible for data entry in Laboratory Information System and other computer programs necessary to perform daily histology tasks.
Assists with validating new histology tests, modifications or stains.
Participates in CAP activities where applicable.
Other Responsibilities: Provides oversight and guidance to histology matters. Completes self review and/or peer competency where applicable. Ensures histology equipment and logs are complete. Promptly notifies lab supervisor or pathologist of unusual findings or problems.

Other Laboratory Department Tasks:

This position will be asked to float to areas of staffing need and will be cross trained to be able to assist in multiple lab departments. Accessioning, labeling, grossing, and processing of specimens in cytology, FISH, histology, and other departments where trained.
Prepares and maintains all necessary reagents, including stains, alcohols, and paraffin according to proper specifications, storage, and labeling.
Data entry. Files slides, blocks, and paperwork.
Responsible for preventative maintenance and troubleshooting of equipment and laboratory computers.
Keeps accurate records including but not limited to: equipment preventative maintenance and repair, QA and QC records, temperature and equipment charts, safety procedures, training, exposure and waste management.
Assumes responsibility for keeping work area clean, neat and organized. Completes thorough cleaning at the end of work period.
Prepares chemicals and stains for performing tests. Uses all chemicals following safety procedures. Maintains accurate and adequate inventory of reagents and supplies. Tracks utilization and expiration dates.
Understands and follows all laboratory accreditation standards, OSHA, EPA CAP and CLIA standards. Maintains educational credits and other requirements for licensure.
Assists with teaching and implementation of new procedures.
Provides staff relief where applicable during staff shortages or vacations.
Responsible for daily productivity and compliance with appropriate turn-around times.
Special projects may be delegated as part of daily activities or during downtime as needed.
Records training and continue education activities.

Competency:

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

Quality and Quantity

Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; looks for ways to improve and promote quality; monitors own work to ensure quality, demonstrates attention to detail; improves processes.
Quantity - Meets productivity standards; completes work in timely manner; strives to increase productivity
Communication - Writes clearly and informatively; presents numerical data effectively.
Cost Effective - Works within approved budget; develops and implements cost saving measures; conserves organizational resources.
Time Management - Is consistently at work and on time; ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent; uses time efficiently; makes timely decisions; prioritizes and plans work activities.

Judgment

Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner, works well in group problem solving situations.
Process Improvement - Uses intuition and experience to complement data, designs work flows and procedures to improve outcomes, generates creative solutions to laboratory problems;
Project Management - develops workable implementation plans for new testing capabilities; coordinates projects, communicates changes and progress.
Customer Service - Responds promptly to pathologist and client needs; solicits feedback to improve service; responds to requests for service and assistance.

Policies and Procedures

Maintains confidentiality; follows policies and procedures
Safety - Observes safety and security procedures; reports potentially unsafe conditions; uses equipment and materials properly.
Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; promotes a harassment-free environment; treats people with respect; works with integrity and ethically

Personal Growth and Development

Team Contribution - Remains open to others' ideas and tries new things, listens and gets clarification, participates in meetings; gives and welcomes feedback, contributes to building a positive team spirit, recognizes accomplishments of other team members.
Technical Skills - Assesses own strengths and weaknesses; pursues training and development opportunities; strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; shares expertise with others.
Change - Adapts to changes in the work environment; manages competing and frequent demands, able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
Requirements:

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education/Experience:

Associate's degree (A. A.) or equivalent from two-year college or technical school; or six months to one-year related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. See CLIA Regulations, 42CFR493, 1489 and 1491.

Certificates and Licenses:

H.T. or H.T.L. (ASCP) certification

Language Ability:

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write technical procedures. Ability to speak effectively to pathologists, customers and employees of organization.

Math Ability:

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent. Ability to use weight scales and metric measurements.

Reasoning Ability:

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving computers, equipment or procedures.

Computer Skills:

To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of Word Processing software and basic understanding of Windows programs.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly exposed to fumes or airborne particles. The employee is occasionally exposed to work near moving mechanical parts and toxic or caustic chemicals. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception, color discrimination and ability to adjust focus.